The 2025 Osun-Osogbo Festival, one of Africa’s longest-running cultural celebrations, ended on Friday with colourful rites at the UNESCO-listed Osun Sacred Grove in Osogbo, Osun State.
The man who carried the symbolic white calabash, Igba Osun, a role traditionally performed by a votary maid…Photo Credit: Instagram| (Osun Osogbo Fest)
The annual event, rooted in centuries-old Yoruba tradition, honours the river goddess Osun, revered for fertility, purity, and abundance.
Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji Larooye II during the procession at the 2025 Osun-Osogbo festival festival on Friday…Photo Credit: Instagram| (Osun Osogbo Fest)
Leading the grand finale, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji Larooye II, joined chiefs, Oloris, and devotees in rituals and prayers seeking blessings for the town.
Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji Larooye II during the festival on Friday…Photo Credit: Instagram| (Osun Osogbo Fest)
The festival ended with a historic twist, as a man carried the symbolic white calabash, Igba Osun, a role traditionally performed by a votary maid.
The new Arugba during the Ibori Ade, a part of the lined-up activities of the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival festival …Photo Credit: Instagram| (Osun Osogbo Fest)
The change comes months after the appointment of a new Arugba Osun, Alimot Osunbunmi, a teen who replaced Osuntomi Ewatomilola after 12 years in the role.
The new Arugba Osun, Alimot Osunbunmi, a teen who replaced Osuntomi Ewatomilola during 2025 Osun Osogbo Festival…Photo Credit: X | (Yorubaness)
The Arugba, a virgin from the royal family chosen by the Ifa oracle, usually bears the calabash during the annual procession honouring the river goddess Osun.
Tourists, devotees, and security personnel during the procession during at Osun-Osogbo festival…Photo Credit: Instagram | (Osun Osogbo Fest)
Tourists, worshippers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world converged on the grove, reaffirming the festival’s reputation as a global pilgrimage of heritage and identity.
Tourists, devotees, and security personnel during the procession during at Osun-Osogbo festival…Photo Credit: Instagram | (Osun Osogbo Fest)Tourists, devotees, and security personnel during the procession during at Osun-Osogbo festival…Photo Credit: Instagram | (Osun Osogbo Fest)The new Arugba Osun, Alimot Osunbunmi, a teen who replaced Osuntomi Ewatomilola during the Ibori-Ade, part of the activities lined up for the annual Osun-Osogbo festival…Photo Credit: Instagram | (Osun Osogbo Fest)
